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  • Best of: The future of AI coaching

    Best of: The future of AI coaching
    2025/12/26

    We hope you’re enjoying the holiday season with family, friends, and loved ones. We’ll be releasing new episodes again in the new year – in the meantime, today, we’re re-running a fascinating episode on The future of AI coaching. The past few years have seen an incredible boom in AI and one of our colleagues, James Landay, a professor in Computer Science, thinks that when it comes to AI and education, things are just getting started. He’s particularly excited about the potential for AI to serve as a coach or tutor. We hope you’ll take another listen to this conversation and come away with some optimism for the potential AI has to help make us smarter and healthier.

    Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.

    Episode Reference Links:

    • Stanford Profile: ​​James Landay

    Connect With Us:

    • Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
    • Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
    • Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

    Chapters:

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    Russ Altman introduces guest James Landay, a professor of Computer Science at Stanford University.

    (00:01:44) Evolving AI Applications

    How large language models can replicate personal coaching experiences.

    (00:06:24) Role of Health Experts in AI

    Integrating insights from medical professionals into AI coaching systems.

    (00:10:01) Personalization in AI Coaching

    How AI coaches can adapt personalities and avatars to cater to user preferences.

    (00:12:30) Group Dynamics in AI Coaching

    Pros and cons of adding social features and group support to AI coaching systems.

    (00:13:48) Ambient Awareness in Technology

    Ambient awareness and how it enhances user engagement without active attention.

    (00:17:24) Using AI in Elementary Education

    Narrative-driven tutoring systems to inspire kids' learning and creativity.

    (00:22:39) Encouraging Student Writing with AI

    Using LLMs to motivate students to write through personalized feedback.

    (00:23:32) Scaling AI Educational Tools

    The ACORN project and creating dynamic, scalable learning experiences.

    (00:27:38) Human-Centered AI

    The concept of human-centered AI and its focus on designing for society.

    (00:30:13) Conclusion

    Connect With Us:

    Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

    Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

    Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    31 分
  • The future of lipids in evolution

    The future of lipids in evolution
    2025/12/19
    Microbes are awesome, says biologist Paula Welander. They have shaped Earth’s chemistry and its environment over billions of years, including oxygenating the planet to make it habitable for larger life forms. In turn, microbes have been shaped by that very same environment, evolving as the climate has evolved, she says. Welander now studies the lipid membranes of ancient microbes, which can endure for millions of years, to understand this evolution and where we might be headed in the future. Microbes are our connection to the ancient world, Welander tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: ​​Paula V. WelanderConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Paula Welander, a professor of Earth Science at Stanford University.(00:04:06) Why Study Microbial LipidsWhy lipids are essential for modern microbiology and Earth’s history.(00:05:19) Diversity of Microbial MembranesHow bacteria and Archaea build different kinds of membranes.(00:07:15) Reconstructing Ancient EnvironmentsUsing specific lipid biomarkers to understand the early planet.(00:09:20) Chemical Fossils vs. Organism FossilsWhy microbes don’t leave traditional fossils—but their lipids do.(00:10:55) Lipids as Environmental CluesHow certain lipids indicate the environments organisms lived in.(00:12:36) Archaea: A Distinct and Ancient EntityArchaea’s evolutionary importance and chemically distinct membranes.(00:15:43) The Lipid DivideWhy eukaryotic membranes resemble bacterial, not Archaeal, membranes.(00:17:12) Tracing Membrane EvolutionRecent breakthroughs in studying Archaeal lineages related to eukaryotes.(00:19:11) Lipid Preservation Over TimeHow archaeal lipids are especially reliable as long-term biomarkers.(00:20:58) Sterols as BiomarkersThe role sterols, including cholesterol, play in lipid archeology.(00:23:14) Bacterial Cholesterol DiscoveryThe discovery that a rare bacteria can synthesize sterol precursors.(00:25:02) Functional Roles of Bacterial SterolsThe possible roles sterols may play in microbial membranes and cell function.(00:26:31) Archaea in the Human GutThe number and types of Archaea found in the human microbiome.(00:28:43) Archaea and AntibioticsWhether Archaea react similarly to bacteria when exposed to antibiotics.(00:29:46) Future In a MinuteRapid-fire Q&A: hope, research needs, and alternate career dreams.(00:31:43) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    33 分
  • The future of neurodegeneration

    The future of neurodegeneration
    2025/12/12
    Molecular biologist Judith Frydman studies the nuances of protein folding and how defects in the process lead to neurodegenerative diseases. Her team studies protein folding in human cells and in model organisms, like yeast and worms, to understand the molecular events that precipitate harmful protein defects in humans. In one example, Frydman’s team explored how aging affects the creation and the quality of proteins in the brain, leading to cognitive problems. She is now looking to develop therapies – someday perhaps leading to cures – to debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, ALS, and others. The power of science gives her true hope in these important pursuits, Frydman tells host Russ Altman in this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: ​​Judith FrydmanConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Judith Frydman, a professor of biology and genetics at Stanford University.(00:04:00) Linking Protein Folding to AgingHow aging disrupts protein-folding machinery across many organisms.(00:07:16) Universal Aging PatternsThe similar age-related protein-folding defects found across organisms(00:09:27) Studying Killifish AgeingResearch on the African killifish as a rapid-aging model organism.(00:13:05) Ribosome Function DeclinesHow aging causes ribosomes to stall and collide, creating faulty proteins.(00:15:31) Aging Across SpeciesThe potential factors causing alternate aging rates in different species.(20:11) What Fails Inside Aging CellsThe cellular components that are leading to bad protein creation.(00:24:04) Therapeutic ApproachesPotential interventions to combat cellular and neurological degeneration.(00:25:12) Gene vs. Small-Molecule TreatmentsHow some interventions may be better suited for certain diseases.(00:27:47) Ribosome Drug PotentialWhy ribosomes and translation factors are viable drug targets.(00:28:56) Next Steps in Aging ResearchUsing human skin fibroblasts to study human aging mechanisms.(00:31:46) Future In a MinuteRapid-fire Q&A: scientific progress, young researchers, and archeology.(00:33:54) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    35 分
  • The future of ribosomes

    The future of ribosomes
    2025/12/05
    Maria Barna is an authority on ribosomes – “life’s most ancient and spectacular molecular machines.” Ribosomes make proteins in the body. There can be a thousand different types of ribosomes in a single cell, she says, each with a specific job to do. But sometimes things go awry and ribosomes get “hijacked,” leading to disease. Barna studies these “diabolical” variations to find new therapies to treat diseases ranging from cancer and COVID to Parkinson’s. When diseases hit, it’s all about the ribosomes, Barna tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: ​​Maria BarnaConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Maria Barna, a professor of genetics at Stanford University.(00:04:21) Origins of Ribosome ResearchMaria explains why ribosomes became the focus of her work.(00:06:14) Ribosome Function and ScaleRibosomes’ functions and the energy required for their production.(00:08:28) Ribosomes as MachinesHow ribosomes influence which proteins are produced and when.(00:09:48) Ribosome RegulationThe regulatory layers within ribosomes and their possible variants.(00:14:35) Ribosomes and DiseaseHow ribosomal dysfunction is linked to a wide range of diseases.(00:18:16) Ribosome Mutations and DevelopmentCongenital disorders that can be attributed to specific ribosomal mutations.(00:20:44) RNA vs. Protein OutputWhy RNA measurements alone do not accurately predict protein levels.(00:24:16) Designing Ribosomes for TherapyThe potential of using engineered ribosomes for target therapies.(00:26:16) Small-Molecule Ribosome ModulatorsScreening compounds that may enhance ribosome activity for treatments.(00:28:39) Future Ribosome ProfilingIsolating individual ribosomes to understand their specific roles.(00:30:35) Future In a MinuteRapid-fire Q&A: scientific progress, community, and alternative career interest.(00:34:01) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    35 分
  • Best of: How to take waste out of wastewater

    Best of: How to take waste out of wastewater
    2025/11/28

    In October, chemical engineer Will Tarpeh was awarded a 2025 MacArthur “Genius Grant” in recognition of his pioneering work to turn wastewater into a source of valuable materials. Will envisions a future in which the concept of wastewater is obsolete, thanks to advances in recycling. A couple of years ago, we sat down to talk with him about this work, and we hope you’ll take another listen today to learn more about the research Will is doing to transform the potential of wastewater into resources.

    Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.

    Episode Reference Links:

    • Stanford Profile: ​​William Abraham Tarpeh

    Connect With Us:

    • Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
    • Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
    • Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

    Chapters:

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    Russ Altman introduces Will Tarpeh, a professor of chemical engineering at Stanford University.

    (00:03:01) Wastewater as a Modern Mine

    How elements like nitrogen and phosphorus can be recovered from waste.

    (00:04:15) Path to Sanitation Research

    Will shares what led to his interest in studying wastewater.

    (00:06:55) The Science of Separation

    The electrochemical and material techniques to extract valuable compounds.

    (00:08:37) Urine-Based Fertilizer

    How human urine could meet up to 30% of global fertilizer needs.

    (00:11:08) Drugs in Wastewater

    The potential of reclaiming pharmaceuticals from waste streams.

    (00:14:14) Decentralized Sanitation

    Opportunities for neighborhood or household-scale treatment systems.

    (00:16:48) Source Separation Systems

    How dividing waste at the source improves recycling and recovery.

    (00:18:56) Global Sanitation Challenges

    Ways that developing countries can adopt modern waste solutions.

    (00:23:51) Preventing Algal Blooms

    The systems that are helping to reduce nutrient pollution and dead zones.

    (00:27:16) The Urine Summit

    A community advancing urine recycling and sustainable sanitation policy.

    (00:28:43) Conclusion

    Connect With Us:

    Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

    Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

    Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    29 分
  • The future of digital markets

    The future of digital markets
    2025/11/21
    Gabriel Weintraub studies how digital markets evolve. In that regard, he says platforms like Amazon, Uber, and Airbnb have already disrupted multiple verticals through their use of data and digital technologies. Now, they face both the opportunity and the challenge of leveraging AI to further transform markets, while doing so in a responsible and accountable way. Weintraub is also applying these insights to ease friction and accelerate results in government procurement and regulation. Ultimately, we must fall in love with solving the problem, not with the technology itself, Weintraub tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Gabriel WeintraubConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Gabriel Weintraub, a professor of operations, information, and technology at Stanford University.(00:03:00) School Lunches to Digital PlatformsHow designing markets in Chile led Gabriel to study digital marketplaces.(00:03:57) What Makes a Good MarketOutlining the core principles that constitute a well-functioning market.(00:05:29) Opportunities and Challenges OnlineThe challenges associated with the vast data visibility of digital markets.(00:06:56) AI and the Future of SearchHow AI and LLMs could revolutionize digital platforms.(00:08:15) Rise of Vertical MarketplacesThe new specialized markets that curate supply and ensure quality.(00:10:23) Winners and Losers in Market ShiftsHow technology is reshaping industries from real estate to travel.(00:12:38) Government Procurement in ChileApplying market design and AI tools to Chile’s procurement system.(00:15:00) Leadership and AdoptionThe role of leadership in modernizing government systems.(00:18:59) AI in Government and RegulationUsing AI to help governments streamline complex bureaucratic systems.(00:21:45) Streamlining Construction PermitsPiloting AI tools to speed up municipal construction-permit approvals.(00:23:20) Building an AI StrategyCreating an AI strategy that aligns with business or policy goals.(00:25:26) Workforce and ExperimentationTraining employees to experiment with LLMs and explore productivity gains.(00:27:36) Humans and AI CollaborationThe importance of designing AI systems to augment human work, not replace it.(00:28:26) Future in a MinuteRapid-fire Q&A: AI’s impact, passion and resilience, and soccer dreams.(00:30:39) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    32 分
  • The future of immunotherapy

    The future of immunotherapy
    2025/11/14
    Biochemist Lingyin Li survived breast cancer at just 30 and now works to harness the human immune system to fight cancers that have long evaded treatment. T cells, she says, are powerful cancer killers, but they can be oblivious. She and her lab colleagues have discovered a masking enzyme that squelches the immune system’s “danger signals” and are now developing drugs to block that enzyme. She likens her work to an arms race between cancer and immunotherapy. “The cancers are not getting smarter, but we are,” Li tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Lingyin LiConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Lingyin Li, a professor of biochemistry at Stanford University.(00:03:38) Research MotivationLingyin explains how her breast cancer diagnosis inspired her research.(00:04:31) How T-Cells WorkT-cell mechanisms and why they struggle to reach solid tumors.(00:05:38) Immune System OverviewInnate and adaptive immunity and how mutations make cancer recognizable.(00:07:28) Awakening the Immune SystemEfforts to stimulate innate immune cells to detect and expose tumors.(00:10:54) The Cancer SignalDiscovery of cancer-derived DNA signals that alert the immune system.(00:13:01) Cancer’s Evasion MechanismHow tumors destroy immune signals to hide from detection.(00:14:26) ENPP1 EnzymeIdentification of ENPP1 as the enzyme enabling immune evasion.(00:15:22) Balancing Immunity and SafetyRole of ENPP1 in autoimmunity and the challenge of targeting it safely.(00:19:30) ENPP1 InhibitorsDevelopment of molecules to block ENPP1 and enhance immune signaling.(00:24:55) Preclinical FindingsThe promising results against aggressive solid tumors in animal studies(00:28:05) From Lab to ClinicThe progress toward FDA approval and preparation for human testing.(00:31:04) Future In a MinuteRapid-fire Q&A: innovation, collaboration, and the outlook for cancer treatment.(00:33:14) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    34 分
  • The future of emerging technologies

    The future of emerging technologies
    2025/11/07
    On our 300th episode, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice talks about her return to Stanford after years in government and the impact she sees rapidly advancing technologies having on democracy and public policy. She says the future demands greater collaboration among industry, academia, and government to ensure promising fields like quantum computing and AI are used for the greatest good—in education, medicine, and the sciences. We are in a race that we must win, Rice tells host Russ Altman on this special episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Condoleezza RiceConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Condoleezza Rice, former U.S. Secretary of State and a professor of political science and political economy at Stanford University.(00:04:08) Returning to StanfordWhy Condoleezza returned to academia after serving as Secretary of State.(00:04:50) Higher Education & Public TrustPotential factors impacting universities' connection to the broader public.(00:07:31) Why Research Still MattersThe importance of curiosity-driven, federally funded university research.(00:09:32) Hoover’s Emerging Tech InitiativeAn outline of the Hoover Institution’s Tech Initiative and its policies.(00:12:11) Uniting Scientists & PolicymakersHow engineers and researchers are engaging with policy and ethics.(00:13:41) The Race For InnovationEmerging themes and key enablers in the technology innovation race.(00:19:17) Industry in the LeadHow private companies are now the primary drivers of innovation.(00:22:02) Global Tech & National InterestsThe tension between globalized tech firms and U.S. policy interests(00:24:35) AI & EducationUsing AI as a tool to enhance teaching and critical thinking in students.(00:28:30) Students Driving PolicyThe contribution students are making to Hoover’s tech policy work.(00:29:23) Future In a MinuteRapid-fire Q&A: hope, innovation, time, humanity, and alternate careers.(00:31:09) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    32 分